Good Practices in Library Programming Section B March 14, 2012.

Good Practices in Library

ProgrammingSection B

March 14, 2012

6. Women• Reaching Women: - Publicize in local women’s organizations- Have an information table in the women’s

park- Information table in women’s market- Invite women to a health fair to get them into the library

6. Women• Provide Socializing Opportunities: - Tea time- Current events discussion groups (use

newspapers to discuss news items)- Ask women to bring a relative or friend- Poetry readings

6. Women

• Consider Accessibility- What hours are women most available?- Can childcare be offered by a volunteer?- Have women-only designated hours- What services & programs will draw women

into the library for the first time?- How can the library be friendly and un-

intimidating?

7. Men

• Activities for men: - Lecture series or guest speakers on topics for

which information is in demand- History classes- Film screenings- Poetry readings

OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• CREATE A DISPLAY- Gather some interesting books to display- Arrange them on a table or display case in a

shop, mosque, clinic, classroom, community centre, NGO office or other space

- Include contact information for the library- Explain these are samples of what one can

find in the library

OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• HOST A COMMUNITY MEETING- Explain the purpose of a library- Explain the functions of a library- Explain how the librarian helps visitors- Explain the library’s role as an archive of

heritage, local information, literature & history- Engage the community in planning for the

library- Ask their ideas, interests and requests

OUTREACH STRATEGIES• FORM AN OUTREACH COMMITTEE- Invite influential community members to

establish a committee- The committee spreads awareness of the

library and its activities- The committee finds out what kind of reading material and activities people want

OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• DISPLAY BOARDS IN THE LIBRARY- Have a display area with information that is

regularly updated- Have special information for special events like

International Women’s Day, World Health Day, Mother’s Day, Human Rights Day, etc

- Announce community events there- Display creations of library patrons such as

poems, artwork or writing- Display handicrafts or cultural artifacts

• [graphic]

OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• LIBRARY NEWSLETTER- Newsletter can include schedule of library

activities- Announce new books in the collection- Feature work of patrons: poems, stories, art- Competitions, puzzles, games- Announce local events & opportunities- Invite articles from community members &

institutions (like schools, shuras, businesses)

OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• SCHEDULE- Publicize the library’s program of activities,

including dates, timing, registration information, incentives, etc

- Distribute copies through the Outreach Committee and local institutions

- Have the schedule displayed in the library- Consider publicizing it in local media

OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• VOLUNTEER PROGRAM- Establish a “Friends of the Library” club of volunteers- Volunteers can be youth or adults- Volunteer tasks include: fundraising, clean up,

hosting events, publicity, planning, other- Ensure that volunteers are recognized and

appreciated for their contributions

OUTREACH STRATEGIES

• WORK WITH SCHOOLS- Encourage teachers to give assignments to

students that requires library use- Ask teachers to give presentation in class on

how to complete a form to get a library card, how to sign out books, and library activities- Give a workshop to teachers on library resources

Key Messages

• The library belongs to the community• Books aren’t owned, but shared• The library welcomes everyone• There are more than books in the library• The library is a place for knowledge seekers!

“to seek knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim” - Islamic Hadith